Legal action for writing on walls, putting ads on trees: Atiqul

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Atiqul Islam on Tuesday said legal action will be taken against those who will be found responsible for writing on walls and putting advertisements on trees in the city, reports UNB.

He issued the warning at a conference titled 'Children Friendly Cities 2019' organised jointly by Save the Children, Bangladesh Institution of Planners (BIP) and Social and Economic Enhancement Programme (SEEP) at Krishibid Institute Auditorium in the capital.

“If a company writes on a tree or advertises by putting banners through hammering nails, it'll be fined. DNCC officials concerned have already been given directives in this regard,” the DNCC Mayor said.

To ensure a children-friendly city, Atiqul Islam said, 'Nagar' mobile app will be used to track and maintain their safety and that of other citizens.

"Today's event will be a history for the children attending it. They must talk about their dream city and they got the chance today. I would like to tell you I want to work beside you as an attendant of the city," he said.

The mayor hoped that everyone will work together for a better city to build a better future for the next generation.

The day-long conference was held with the participation of around 700 children coming from 25 schools in Dhaka.

A research carried out by The Urban Lab of Bangladesh University in six schools of Dhaka found 25 per cent of children's lungs do not work fully because of air pollution.

Their lungs are working 65-80 per cent on average.

The study also showed that children are exposed to noise pollution and do not have access to nature as well.

Housing and Public Works Secretary Shaheed Ullah Khandaker, Access to Information programme (a2i) project director Mustafizur Rahman and Save the Children deputy country director Ishtiaq Mannan also spoke on the occasion.